The African Richest billionaire, Aliko Dangote, has secured the approval for a major oil and gas pipeline initiative linking Ethiopia to the sea via Djibouti.
According to Bloomberg, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has officially approved a proposal submitted by the Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) to construct pipelines through Djibouti territory.
The development was confirmed during a high-profile meeting with Ethiopian officials, including EIH CEO Brook Taye.
It is reported that Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings submitted the proposal to develop oil and gas pipelines through Djibouti, and President Guelleh approved the plans.
The initiative is structured in two phases:
— Phase 1: Construction of a pipeline to transport refined petroleum products from the Port of Djibouti to Dawale (Daweleh) in southeastern Ethiopia.
—Phase 2: Development of pipelines for natural gas and crude oil exports from Ethiopia’s Somali Region primarily the Ogaden Basin to international markets through Djibouti’s ports.
This project builds directly on Dangote’s existing investments in Ethiopia.
The major urea fertiliser complex in the Gode area of the Somali Region is now valued at over $4 billion.
It already incorporates a dedicated natural gas pipeline and power station, with operations expected to ramp up toward 2029.
For Ethiopia, the pipelines are a critical corridor to global markets, reducing logistical issues and supporting the country’s ambitions to monetise its hydrocarbon resources in the Ogaden Basin.
For Djibouti, the project strengthens its role as a key logistics and energy hub in the Horn of Africa.
Dangote, continues to expand his industrial footprint across the continent. This aligns with his strategy of investing in energy self-sufficiency, fertiliser production, and value-added processing.
Full implementation will depend on final agreements, environmental assessments, and securing investment partners.
The development comes amid growing interest in East African energy projects. This includes separate refinery discussions involving Dangote in Kenya.
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